scorecard

35 minutes ago, LukKrueng said:

Currently there are no passengers commercial flight allowed into Thailand, so the only way to come is by repatriation flights (there was 1 from new Zealand 2 days ago). Those flights land in BKK so you can only be quarantined in BKK area - they won't allow you travelling to Chiang mai or anywhere else. 

The quarantine is very strict. No visitors allowed. People are to stay in the room at all times. Meals are left outside the room at meal times. No hotel staff allowed in the rooms so no cleaning services. You can get things from the outside world sent to you at specific times (like 8-11am) and it will be left outside your room. Your personal belongings can't leave the room either - so you can't send dirty laundry or things you don't need back home. 

 

Thanks for all of that.

I'm aware of most of the quarantine details and the repatriation flights and most of the details.

And I'm aware that currently international commercial flights are banned from coming into Thailand.

I'm 75 years old and in a wheel chair. I have a credit for a return flight on AirAsia Sydney to Chiang Mai and my current PR re-entry stamp expires 17 Nov 2020 but folks with PR have been given an additional 12 months to return.

Current plan - fly on AirAsia early Nov 2020 direct to Chiang Mai (if flights are operating) and hopefully quarantine in CM. But of course lot's more checking to do:

- Can I get permission to leave Australia?

- Get the medical report and negative test result no older than 3 days prior to check-in date.

- Get the 'fit-to-fly' document from the Thai Embassy in Sydney (but is this document only for people joining repatriation flights???)  

- Will AirAsia at Sydney Airport say it's too complicated and too much risk for them?

- Arrival In Chiang Mai - what complications will emerge?

- Will much of the above have relaxed by early November?

All very step by step...

2 hours ago, Max69xl said:

They quarantine people in hotels in locations as close as possible to the point of entry because of the risk of spreading the virus if someone is infected. Imo, at the moment you can forget about a quarantine in Chiang Mai or in any other remote location.

Thanks, I understand. I'm hoping to confirm the 14 days quarantine is possible in Chiang Mai because I am 75 years old and am in a wheel chair.

I fully realize nobody is going to make a special arrangement just for me. 

If I must fly to Don Muang or swampy then I'm hoping I can stay in a basic hotel, one of the places approved for Thai folks coming in to Thailand. But getting a clear picture of this is of course not easy.

In one call to the Thai Embassy in Sydney I tried to get some answers but got none, just 'sign up for the next repatriation flight from Sydney, fly to Bkk and see what happens'.

I mentioned that the luxury venues are quite expensive, the response was, 'this is what foreigners have demanded'.

However there's an item in Bkk Post a few days ago saying clearly that the luxury venues were organized for wealthy This who are not happy to stay in basic hotels.

Step by step... 

1 minute ago, Huckenfell said:

No , this was in May and when i reached Brisbane from a very round-about long distant flight i was put into isolation at the Brisbane Marriot at the expense of the Aussie govt.   The hotel in BKK was Bht700 per night , food extra.

 

Do you mean quarantine hotel in Bkk, would you please share the name/location of the hotel, thanks. 

2 hours ago, realfunster said:

it’s already happening, my Thai colleague showed me a list of Bangkok hotels up for sale (including some ‘big’ names) sure it is the same (or worse) in Phuket, Samui etc.

 

going to be a big reset for the tourist industry, with a lot of pain along the way.

 

Time for the government to make serious efforts in developing a broader and more open economy to support their citizens livelihoods. Already seen loosening of foreign ownership restrictions for aviation, would not be surprised to see that widen into other sectors to stimulate further investment.  The Thai billionaire oligarchs should take a step back and allow a more open market.

as for International tourism, I hope it comes back in a more sustainable and improved form, but I expect they will simply go back to mass market as that is the path of least resistance.

 

From above:  "... going to be a big reset for the tourist industry, with a lot of pain along the way."

So I wonder how much work tourist associations etc., have put into suggesting an acceptable alternative to the current 14 days quarantine arrangements. And/or have they done any up to date research to check if the global/Thai medical experts still say 14 days or has it maybe reduced to 7 days. 5 days etc??? Or are the global medical experts now suggesting other methods of testing, etc etc?

23 minutes ago, Huckenfell said:

OMG!  i recently had to spend 4 days in a "so called  4* hotel" at Swampy. It was bloody awful, no restaurants, just the swill available at their   No star restaurant.

 

How many Baht per day for full accommodation?

you mention 4 days, were you in quarantine or???

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Only if you can prove that digital pikeys are more voracious at the all-you-can-eat shrimp buffets.

 

On a serious note, digital nomads are far more prevalent than when they first started pitching a tent in Thailand maybe 5 to 8 years ago. Back then, they were mostly treated with suspicion and painted as some sort of social pariah by foreigners pursuing the more traditional methods of legally staying long-term in Thailand. As far as the Thai authorities were concerned, it was the possible enforcement of the rather nebulous "exerting effort" caveat of the Work Permit rules that made DN's either lay low or keep moving.

 

I would like to think that with Thailand 4.0 and other efforts, the value of digital nomads to the Thai economy can be seen beyond "renting and spending" and that work category and the added value is can bring to Thailand, be it through visa fees and taxes, be acknowledged by the relevant authorities. The current pandemic has led many to discover the efficiencies and practicalities of working from home. This working 'revolution' has just gotten itself a new tailwind.

Quote:  "...painted as some sort of social pariah by foreigners pursuing the more traditional methods of legally staying long-term in Thailand."

Several years back in Chiang Mai a number of these characters always in a number of coffee shops and 'in your face' with their offers. Walk up, interupt the conversation and say 'do you have your own website and twitter and facebook and instragram account? If not why not, the Thai government says everybody has to have all these items, I can make all of them for you, give me your passport.' with hand outstretched. 

I saw same thing happen at Dukes restaurant. American owner turfed the girl out quick smart. 

Didn't take too long for them to get banned from many coffee shops etc.

3 minutes ago, Somtamnication said:

May he burn in pork hell!

Then lots of crispy skin...

But will all six airports be used for incoming passengers, Thai and foreigners? Or will all flights land at the 2 Bkk airports?

Further, will passengers from a bubble departure points still be required to do 14 days quarantine on arrival, and will quarantine facilities be available nearby at the six inter. airports? And will they be local basic hotels or luxury hotels.

Also, when we reach the point of passengers coming in from bubble locations, will arriving locals (Thai, WP and PR holders) be allowed to quarantine for 14 days at home?

2 hours ago, Emmess said:

 

- My Thai PR re-entry stamp expires 17 Nov 2020 but PR holders are now allowed to go up to 1 year beyond the re-entry deadline stamp.

 

Is this confirmed news, as my daughter is stuck abroad and her yearly re-entry stamp expires on 19th July

The 1 year extension of the re-entry date I mentioned is specific to foreigners holding Thai PR (Permanent Residency).

I'm not aware whether there are currently extensions on re-entry for other visas, perhaps you could post a specific question on this to get advice from the experts.

Good luck.

1 hour ago, Silent Number said:

 

No leave em on my eyesight not so good now.

Then get new glasses, not expensive in Chiang Mai. 

2 hours ago, PatrickC said:

 

I am a WP holder in Australia trying to find my way back. You will be able to nominate your own hotel but it must be one of the hotels on the official list - currently 5 in Bangkok. I believe the cheapest package is around 40k for the 15 nights (14 full days) including 3 meals a day.

 

Since you are in Australia, how is your search for flights back going?

Thanks,

My search for commercial flights is not very productive.

Actually I have a credit from AirAsia and hoping within 30 days / 60 days ??? they will do some flights Sydney to Chiang Mai - my credit will cover that itenerary.

But of course there are complications:

- The flight above goes thru the AirAsia hub in Kuala lumphur with 3 hr stopover (AirAsia KLIA lounge) and change of aircraft but right now foreigners are totally banned from entering Malaysia including flight stopovers / change of flight.

- Australian passport holders, who are in Australia, are currently not allowed to leave Australia except in critical circumstances (e.g. severe sickness in the family abroad etc.)

- My Thai PR re-entry stamp expires 17 Nov 2020 but PR holders are now allowed to go up to 1 year beyond the re-entry deadline stamp.

I'd like to return soon to see my family but I suspect I'll end up waiting until just before 17 Nov and hoping lots of relaxation happens by then. But of course wait and see. 

23 minutes ago, Wars said:

This was in the instructions and when I filled out the request to return because I have a work permit. (still waiting to hear back from them after I mailed in everything) 

 

• Non-Thai nationals will be subjected to a 14-day state quarantine at a government-designated Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility at their own expenses (including the arrangement to pick up the applicant at the point of entry into Thailand), and obliged to comply with the government's disease prevention measures pursuant to clause 11 of the Regulation issued under Section 9 of the said Emergency Decree. 

* Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) is the process of Quarantine at government-approved hotels at the traveler’s own expense. More information (in Thai) can be found here http://covid-center.hss.moph.go.th/files/A%20State%20Quarantine%2017.4.63.pdf and http://www.hsscovid.com/

 

 

 

NonB no workpermit.docxUnavailable

Thanks for sharing.

This morning 18 June 2020 I called the Thai Embassy in Sydney, the Thai officer shared that the embassy is not involved in any way about where the traveler/returnee will be accommodated for the 14 days quarantine. 

She shared 'the 14 days quarantine location/actual hotel etc., is decided by the senior Imm. staff on duty at the time of arrival of the repatriation flight'. 

I'm hoping that WP holders and PR holders will be able to nominate to stay in one of the basic hotels in their 14 days quarantine accommodation lists rather then be forced to stay in one the the luxury alternative hotels on their list. 

We wait and see. Again, thanks for sharing.

I'm trying to get a complete picture regarding the 14 day quarantine places / locations.

Many weeks ago the Thai gov't. announced lists of 14 day quarantine accommodations including gov't. based complexes, navy bases, hotels etc., where Thai nationals would be quarantined when they returned from abroad. Many 'venues' were in Bangkok however from my memory I believe there were other quarantine hotels etc., in locations outside of the greater Bangkok. E.g. Chonburi city, Pattaya and maybe more locations. 

Can any members recall any further towns etc. (outside of greater Bangkok) where this accommodations was organized? For example perhaps Phuket, Chiang Mai etc. 

Why am I asking? I have Thai PR (Permanent Residency) and there is now talk of allowing PR holders (and Thai Work Permit holders) to return. My choice would be to return to Chiang Mai to do the 14 days quarantine in one of the gov't organized places because I am elderly, I use a wheelchair because of mobility problems and I have family and a family home in Chiang Mai. I'm not suggesting the 14 days quarantine should be waived for me, however if it's possible it would be more convenient to be near family, but of course the distancing etc., rules would have to be observed properly.  

Later there was a further announcement, a listing of luxury accommodations, arranged for folks who wanted to spend their 14 days quarantine in more luxury accommodation and were prepared to pay from their own pocket (so called Alternative Quarantine Accommodation).  

It's now being suggested that the luxury accommodations were organized for foreigners returning to Thailand who must do 14 days quarantine.  However I believe the initial reason for the luxury quarantine accommodation was to cater for wealthy Thai people who expect better accommodation / are not happy to stay in simple/basic accommodation for 14 days. 

Can any members recall the details of the announcement of alternative luxury accommodations?

- Was it announced as being for wealthy Thai returnees, and/or wealthy Thai and farang returnees?

- Or was it announced as being just for Farang who need to do the 14 days quarantine?

Would you please share. Thanks. 

39 minutes ago, sirineou said:

Obviously this plane will never fly. Simply a theme restaurant like a train car restaurant etc.  It is an interesting idea and even though the plane will never fly the idea might. 

Initially the novelty will drew customers, I would be a great place to take a date that has never been on a plane to dinner. 

 

 

But where's the go go poles?

1 hour ago, sirineou said:

Nothing like all the farangs with Chines characters tattooed on their arms who know exactly what they mean. 

 

 I read a joke somewhere, a westerner with characters down his arms and chest. Someone asked asked 'what the Chinese characters meant'.

His response 'I asked for Japanese writing'.

31 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Pretty optimistic aren't they!  I would have bet on a 100% revenue decrease.  Of course they are probably hoping domestic flights bring in money...no way any international or transit flights will be flying in at this rate....

But what about all the Thai aircraft 'parked' at the airport. Parking aircraft at any airport is not free, even whilst they sit at the terminal waiting to board passengers for their next flight they pay parking fees.

Such parking revenues for the entire Thai fleet for weeks/months/many many months should be quite a few Baht. 

2 hours ago, bluesofa said:

I was expecting to read the driver was overloaded with big melons.

 

 

It'll take the police a long time to dispose of all those melons.

Maybe not, just hit the right attractive price and all sold quickly.

On 6/14/2020 at 1:18 PM, izod10 said:

Ive got one,it called a Thai cleaner

Our neighbor won a store competition, about 6 household items including small TV, small air-fryer other items, and a robot cleaner and small stand alone plug in vacuum cleaner.

Next morning the maid arrived, the lady of the house shows the maid the 2 cleaning machines both turned on, maid is terrified of the activity of both items and more so the noise.

She disappears to another room. A while later she reappears and pleads with the lady of the house to allow her to repack the 2 machines and hide them in the storeroom. 

Boxes never opened again.

3 hours ago, Catkiwi said:

When it comes to conscription time a rejected lady boy is a happy lady boy ????

Not necessarily, some ladyboys could see is a big win, opportunities 24/7.  

43 minutes ago, Mama Noodle said:

 

LOL no, that is not usual, not at all.

 

Either someone is taking her for a run around, the alternator/charging system has a problem, or there is a residual current draw somewhere. 

A few years back my Thai nephew bought a Hyundai car from his friend, car was 5 years old. Nephew has zero knowledge or experience with anything to do with vehicles. 

He had a flat tyre 100m away from a well known typical tyre/battery outlet on Sri Ayutha Rd, Bkk. He asked them to help, they brought his car into their workshop and without any discussion quickly changes all the tyres.

He asked why 'all'. Response 'you have to change all your tyres and battery every 12 months and we can see from markings on the tyres they are all overdue for changing. 

I've heard of the same thing at a venue in the same compound as BIG C South Pattaya.

31 minutes ago, KhaoYai said:

Not according to my lawyer. He tells me that the basis of Thai law is French with, as he says, 'bits from all over the place'.

Correct, I should have listed French in my original post, my apologies for that error.

18 hours ago, scorecard said:

QUOTE FROM ABOVE:

 

"...You also have to consider that the majority of hi-so Thais were educated in the United States or Europe. Many of whom were teased by Americans and rejected by Western women ( often called FOB aka Fresh Off the Boat ). These folks come back to Thailand with a huge chip on their shoulders towards Westerners. Do you blame them though? Americans are brutal to overseas Asians students. And the Europeans are even worse than the Americans."

 

I don't buy your comments.

 

Locals are at times brutal to other locals and foreigners in any country. Reality of life.

 

Before Thailand I lived in Sydney and Melbourne in Australia and had daily contact with students from: Thailand, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and more.

 

Most of the time, most of the students (M and F) were quite contented and had good productive relationships / friendships with Australian students, the Australian community etc.

 

In my 30+ years of work in Thailand I worked with several hundred Thais in big organizational projects, 90+% spoke excellent/perfect English, and were educated abroad, professional, pleasant and productive, no hesitation to work together with the foreigners on my staff. 

 

Yes we had 1 or 2 incidents over many years, half of which was reaction to western arrogance and superiority. 

Quote from OP:

"...The Thai government is not doing anything different that United States which is where Thailand gets the majority of its legal protocol. They always copy whatever the US does, as do most countries."

Fake news, Thai law is based on British and German Law and some of the Thai Labour law is strongly influenced by Australian Labour law.

The whole world wants to copy most things from the US? What rubbish.